Archaeology handicrafts and science and technology sites to visit Scotland

This lively and frightening visit to the city's basements is as much fun as it is thrilling thanks to eleven actors and numerous special effects. On the program: torture room, labyrinth, boat ride, staging and historical characters such as the cannibal Sawney Bean or the serial killers Burke and Hare. The tours leave every 10 minutes and last 80 minutes. Attention: children (under 15 years old) must be accompanied and the visit is not recommended for children under 8 years old. Special tours for an adult audience are also available.

In the heart of Edinburgh, this small distillery produces a gin that is appreciated by experts and offers small group visits to discover this industry which, far from equaling the figures for whisky, remains one of Scotland's specialities. The classic tour lasts 45 minutes and ends with a tasting, with expert guides who will share their passion with you. When the visits stop, the Heads & Tales bar takes over in a cosy setting where you can enjoy cocktails and tapas. The tiny shop, in a cellar, is accessible without visits.

On the banks of the river Teith, this former 18th century cotton factory has become a well-known distillery in the region. In production since the 1960s, its building, designed by Richard Arkwright, now houses all the technology needed to make a single malt. The classic tour lasts 50 min and includes a dram, but there are other formulas: with tasting of 3 whiskies from the cask, with a visit to the tasting room, tour and heritage to learn more about local history, whiskies and chocolate...

A simple ticket gives access to the essence of the history of the town: Whithorn Priory and the Whithorn Story Visitor Centre, which explores the region's past. Built in the 12th century, this monastery, in honour of St Ninian, Scotland's first saint, who arrived here in the^5th century, played an important role in the country's religious history. Robert The Bruce, James IV and James V all came here on pilgrimage. You can see the Latinus Stone, Scotland's first Christian monument! You'll also see the remarkable remains of the early church, giving a glimpse of the once magnificent cathedral, now in ruins. Let your imagination run wild and soak up the atmosphere of the place and what it must have felt like for the pilgrims who arrived here by boat from Ireland, England or the Isle of Man. For more than 1,000 years this site has attracted travellers, pilgrims and kings to Whithorn.

Visit the crypt where superb Celtic stones and crosses of the early Christians are kept, probably including the tomb of St Ninian. The museum area focuses on the archaeological remains of the surrounding area through the different eras, and also explains how Scotland became Christian. It also goes further, tracing its transition to the Reformation. You can follow the same route as pilgrims did in the Middle Ages, with stops at other remarkable sites nearby: St. Ninian's Chapel, St. Ninian's Grotto and Finian Chapel.

This distillery is new, having opened in 2014. In 2016, the first bottle was launched. In 2016, 2,500 bottles were then produced and sold in record time. Similarly in 2017, with the same success. In 2018, the distillery doubled its production and released its third bottle, this time at 5,000, and still with resounding success. The last bottle was created in 2022 with 13,000 copies. You can discover the secrets of the distillery and taste its production in its store and bar area.

Why don't you meet Elizabeth and Margaret, the two stills from that distillery? It is possible to visit this Scottish gin and vodka distillery and discover the secrets of its production, from the choice of flowers and plants to a tasting of a Rock Rose gin and tonic, with a surprise at the end. Visits last one hour and are only open to adults. The shop is accessible to all, and you can bring back one or more exceptional spirits, born of the sea spray of Dunnet Bay and its strong character.

Neptune's Staircase is a set of 8 locks linking the Caledonian Canal. It will be a curiosity for anyone interested in engineering: a 19-metre climb! It is the largest lock complex in Scotland. It takes 90 minutes for a boat to pass through the 8 gates. The place is also very pleasant and lends itself to walking. Make a stop at theMooring Hotel: it's also a very pleasant restaurant and bar, and it's possible to have a drink or eat with the view of the water.

This stone, attributed to the Picts, is one of the most mysterious sites in Scotland. Indeed, no one has ever been able to know who built this building, when and what it was used for. The only certainty is that there was once a Pictish fort at Burghead, built between 2000 and 1500 BC. It has been said that this hollow was once a well. The current hypotheses are: a sanctuary for Celtic water deities, a place of ritual execution, an early Christian baptistry or a Pictish cult space.

Glen Moray whisky has been distilled on the banks of the Lossie River since 1897. While things have changed in a century, the ingredients, processes and skills have remained constant. This small, friendly and informal distillery is located in the heart of Speyside, Elgin once being its capital. Tours take place every day when the distillery is open, at 9:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm and are free for under 18s. Tasting sessions of 3 or 4 whiskies are available at the bar, between 10am and 4.30pm (from £35).

The Mull of Galloway experience is to be at the southernmost point of Scotland and climb the 115 steps to the top of the lighthouse. There, on a clear day, you will see a breathtaking panorama of Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man. You may also be lucky enough to see gannets, porpoises and dolphins. Also visit the exhibition to learn more about lighthouses. On certain dates, you can enjoy a foghorn demonstration!

Created in 1840, by the brothers John and James Grant, the distillery is born in a perfect frame to produce an exceptional base for its whisky, thanks to quality ingredients and also thanks to the river Spey, which runs along the family structure. The distillery is open to the public, with a visitor centre and guided tours. Stroll through the beautiful Victorian garden, restored to its former glory, and smell the hidden scents of single malt...

BrewDog is now one of the most important references in the beer business. An artisanal brewery with punk claims, independent, modern and in full growth, it has been able to make itself appreciated for the quality of its beers and the vast choice it offers. While in Ellon, take the opportunity to visit one of its production sites (and its headquarters) on a guided tour. You can also simply enjoy the bar on site, have a bite to eat while tasting a beer produced on site, and find unusual goodies in the brand's shop.

On June 24, 1314, the forces of Robert the Bruce defeated the English troops of Edward II here in the First War of Independence. At that time, Stirling Castle was held by England, and the Scottish King's brother Edward II held it under siege. He concluded with his enemies that if they were not rescued before mid-summer, they would give up the stronghold, the gateway to the Highlands, to him. London, unable to ignore this agreement, marched its men north. The Scots, one against two or three, managed to win the victory after two days, despite their numerical and material inferiority. This success opened the way for military raids to the south and put an end to the first conflicts of independence. The discovery centre that now occupies the site offers an immersion in this key moment in national history. Thanks to its 3D technologies and interactive imagery, it recreates the conditions of the battle. Immersion is total! And it's fun too: you can take control of your virtual battlefield and try to recreate the battle... The winner will remain, in any case, the valiant Bruce! The attraction has been awarded several times for its educational and innovative character, which involves visitors in the story, making it more alive than ever. Outside, don't miss the statue of King Robert and discover the place where Robert the Bruce raised his standard.

Founded in 1798, Highland Park is the northernmost distillery of Scotland, just overtaking Scapa! It has won the San Francisco World Spirit Competition several times, which brings together experts from all over the world. This is where it gets its slogan "Best spirit in the World", and we can't say that it has really usurped it... Its flagship single malt, the 12 year old, exudes notes of honey, heather, and spices, with a background of Orkney peat. The one-hour tour is very complete and ends with a tasting.

In a breathtaking environment, the Bunnahabhain distillery (the bh is pronounced v) is isolated in the north of the island, facing the Jura mountains. It opened its doors in 1881. Its whisky is much sweeter than the one of its neighbours, and uses very little, if any, peated malt. The 12-year-old is light, fresh, with a fragrance of spray and nuts. The single visit lasts about 1 hour, but there is a shorter, faster version for those in a hurry. The visit program is to be consulted on the distillery's website.

Opened in 2000, the Arran brewery quickly made a place for itself in the hearts of beer lovers. You can now drink his achievements all over the country and discover his production site here. Visits take place only twice a day and last on average 45 minutes. They allow you to see the manufacturing process and end with a tasting session. If you're short of time, you can always drop by the shop and visitor centre, created to allow you to discover the art of brewing through observation windows.

Bowmore is the mother of the Islay distilleries. Created in 1779, it is the oldest distillery on the island and remains the heart of the eponymous village. With a beautiful setting on the edge of Loch Indaal, the single visit lasts 1 hour and allows you to explore the entire production site before ending with a triple tasting: three samples of Bowmore whiskies, in the tasting room, with a spectacular view of Loch Indaal. You even leave with your tasting glass bearing the distillery's logo. Other tours offer cask tasting.

It is the westernmost distillery of the south coast, founded and marketed in 1815 by local farmers and master distiller John MacDougall. Today in continuous expansion, it has kept its traditional methods and reveals them to enthusiasts. The classic tour lasts 45 minutes, but there are longer options. Their standard-bearer is the 10-year-old, a very peaty, iodized single malt with hints of citrus fruits and cereals. The Old Kiln Café on the premises cooks up some good food for the lunch break.

This is the home of the single malt of the Isle of Arran; true island pride. You can appreciate the principles of its elaboration during a 45-minute visit, punctuated by two tastings: a cream of whisky liqueur and the very popular 14 year old. The latter is 46% and has round and fruity aromas. Good plan: the "drop inn tour" for an express discovery (film) with tasting. There is also a café on site for a drink or a bite to eat.

The Highlands were long a land of agriculture where ranching and farming families lived in small communities called townships . In the ^nineteenth century, the Highland Clearances wiped out many of these communities, so that by 1850, most had disappeared. Those that survived mutated with new technologies and the Industrial Revolution. Here in Auchindrain, the change was much less noticeable than elsewhere and the area was preserved in its original form. A real trip back in time!

Just next to Port Askaig, this distillery of 1846 has unfortunately destroyed a large part of its original buildings to rebuild a more modern complex. The location is nevertheless very nice in front of the Paps of Jura, but there may be a bit less to see than in some of its counterparts. At 43%, the 12 year old has sweet, oily flavours, with light hints of peat and citrus. Several visits are possible, from the classic to the one combining whiskies and chocolates.

This 1880 cottage is a rare witness to island history and local traditions. Its last inhabitants left it as it was in 1966 and it has remained unchanged since then. There was no chimney and the peat fire was evacuated through the windows and thatched roof, keeping insects away. The white house across the street is the result of the hygiene regulations that were subsequently introduced. It is also owned by Historic Environment Scotland and is in stark contrast to its neighbour.

Under the auspices of the National Trust, the Glencoe Visitor Centre aims to provide a glimpse of the immense richness of the Glencoe Valley through its history, wildlife, geology and human occupation. The technology is at the service of nature and the whole thing is quite interactive and didactic. The Glencoe Massacre is not overlooked, but there is also talk of hiking and mountaineering. The site is also the starting point for hikes, hence a large car park, a snack bar, an information area and all the amenities.

It is impossible to remain indifferent to this institution, which celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2015. With its superb distillery with its feet in the water, Laphroaig is the favourite whisky of a large number of single malt lovers from Islay, who come here on a real pilgrimage. The tour is as exciting as it is complete, but if you don't have time to take part, at least drop by the visitor centre to sample a dram. The 10-year-old is the best known, with its very peaty mouthfeel, deep marine flavours and a hint of fruit and spices.

Nestled in a small cove on the magnificent south coast, the Lagavulin distillery traces its origins back to 1742, when its site was used as a hideout for illegal whisky distillation... Now everything is well and truly up to standard and the visit is one of the most complete and interesting in Islay. The 16 year old is a complex single malt that is dry, rich, peaty, slightly woody and salty. You can also stop at the Malt Mill Bar for exclusive tastings, as well as excellent hot chocolate, coffee, tea and pastries.

In the gardens of the Barony Castle Hotel, a very strange sight awaits visitors: a three-dimensional map of Scotland, made of stone and measuring 50m by 40m. Built between 1974 and 1979 by a small group of Poles, including students, it is the brainchild of Jan Tomasik, a war veteran of Polish origin, born in Krakow. Now in free and open access, it is to be seen if you pass by.

The Ardhanoe distillery opened its doors in 2018. It is thus the most recent distillery of Islay. Its water is drawn from the Loch Ardhanoe, close to the distillery. The place is shrouded in mystery: an unfathomable depth, the legend of a white courier ghost appearing at the full moon... Its water, filtered through peat and rock, is exceptionally soft. The establishment offers tours for everyone - from the express tour to the expert tour with multi-tasting - and a friendly café: The Illicit Still bar & cafe.

This attraction will delight train enthusiasts, as it offers a ride in an old steam train. The Royal Deeside Railway recreates the line that used to run between Aberdeen and Ballater. The ride lasts between 15 and 20 minutes. It offers superb views of the River Dee and the surrounding hills. The original line ran from 1853 to 1966, taking the Royal Family and many prominent people from the UK on a journey. The station, renovated in 2015, is also a very pleasant place with its tea room and ice-cream shop.

This lighthouse is located at the westernmost point of Great Britain. It has been guiding ships through the waters off the coast since 1849. A café and an exhibition area welcome you. The former keeper's house has been transformed and allows you to discover the history of the building. The engine room can also be visited, as well as a restored workshop. It is possible to go up to the top of the lighthouse. It is not accessible to children under 5 years old.

A few kilometres further south of Withorn, along the B7004, lies this charming tiny harbour, built astride an island, attached to the land by a dyke, hence its name Isle of Withorn. Here you can see the remains of the 13th century St Ninian's Chapel and, further along, St Ninian's Cave, where he used to go to pray. Be careful though, this is not easy to find and you will have to go to the hamlet of Kidsdale, west of Isle of Whithorn, to find the way there.

The Merlin Trail is a 7-day itinerary, organized in 4 themes and can be broken down into one or two-day excursions. It includes the main sites of the region dating back to the ^5th, 6th and 7th centuries, when the famous enchanter would have lived. The route is an opportunity to rediscover history and explore lesser-known heritage sites and monuments. History, archaeology, etymology, topography, botany and popular memory mingle for a real plunge into time and the origins of the legends we still know.

The Mull of Galloway is located at the end of the Rhine of Galloway Peninsula. This jagged strip of land extends south of Stranraer and Portpatrick. Its coastline is dotted with small harbours, beautiful beaches and several hiking trails, including the Mull of Galloway Trail, which connects the headland to Stranraer. All around the lighthouse, the RPBS has a bird sanctuary where birdwatchers can observe thousands of birds along the specially maintained paths. There is an information centre and a small café.

It is one of the most beautiful tombs of this type in Europe, among those built about 5,000 years ago. The entrance passage to Maeshowe is aligned with the mid-winter sunset, so that light illuminates the interior of the tomb. Vikings broke into Maeshowe in the mid 12th century, long after it had fallen into disuse and oblivion. They too left their mark on the site: this time in the form of graffiti carved in runes on the walls of the main chamber.

Inverawe has many attractions. There's something magical about the road alone! Once your vehicle is parked, several choices are available according to your desires: discover, through the museum area, how salmon are smoked, learn about fishing techniques, go for a walk following the proposed circuits (short walks) or taste smoked salmon on the spot in the café and shop area. In any case, don't leave on an empty stomach, it would be a shame!

You will find stone circles, standing stones, burial mounds and other Neolithic buildings at several sites around the village of Kilmartin and in the Kilmartin Valley. These are best explored by car or by bicycle. Maps are available at the Visitor Centre or Museum Shop and signs at each site allow you to find your way around and discover the specific features of each building.

At the place called Dunadd, 6.5 km south of the village, you will find the foundations of an ancient fort of the kingdom of Dal Riata, on top of a hill. The most impressive remains are undoubtedly formed by a succession of five cairns around the village. TheGlebe Cairn stands directly to the west, in a field, while the Nether Largie North Cairn, the Nether Largie Mid Cairn and the Nether Largie South Cairn are lined up on the road to Kilmartin Primary School. It is reached by following the direction of Slockavullin, south of Kilmartin. Once at the crossroads, there are two cairns at 450 m on the right, as well as a cairn and some menhirs at 350 m on the left : the Temple Wood. The fourth site, the Ri Cruin Cairn, is located on the B8025, shortly after the crossing with the A816, near other standing stones : the Nether Largie Standing Stones. The fifth, Dunchraigaig Cairn, is visible from the road, 2.5 km south of Kilmartin.

Scattered in fields, you can walk around it. Be careful, it can be muddy.

The Cruachan hydroelectric station, nicknamed "the Hollow Mountain", can be visited by guided tours. First, a free time in the exhibition - which deals with energy in all its aspects: ecology, techniques, engineering, but also the history of the site and social history - will familiarize you with the subject. A special area is dedicated to children. Then your guide will take you by shuttle bus into the mountain. The observation of the site is done from a platform through a bay window.

Black Isle Brewery became in a few years emblematic of Inverness, the Highlands and another way of looking at entrepreneurship. It is that Black Isle has strong values, believes in them, and brings them to life. The visit will convince you of the company's commitment to bio, short circuits, quality and the possibility of an alternative way of producing and growing. Arriving in a kind of farm, in the middle of nowhere, you will be welcomed by the dogs. The visit? Whenever you want, without fuss. And it ends with a tasting!

This site invites you to discover hydroelectricity, on the very site of a dam. Several exhibits allow those curious about science and technology to understand how the Pitlochry Dam, which produces electricity for 15,000 homes, works. It is also a site for discovering the life of the salmon and sea trout that have the difficult task of bypassing the dam. The salmon ladder, with its 34 pools, allows them to pass safely.

This grouping brings back to life several excavated Viking sites. The Skidbladner is a life-size replica of the ship Gokstad, found in a Viking burial mound in Norway in 1880. The original ship would have reached Unst. This type of Viking ship was used for trade, war and travel. The Shetland Amenity Trust acquired the Skidbladner in 2006. It has quickly become a must-see attraction. The longhouse replicates a traditional ancient settlement.